Delight in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for a Quick Dinner!

Get ready to saddle up for a delicious ride with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This irresistible dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich and creamy sauce infused with the bold flavors of cowboy butter. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a must-try addition to your recipe repertoire.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

For the Cowboy Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ lemon, juice and zest
• Pinch red pepper flakes

For the Pasta:

• 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, paprika, salt, lemon juice and zest, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well blended. Set the cowboy butter aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.

Season the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sear for about 4 minutes, or until they develop a nice golden-brown color. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet.

Add the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced shallot, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and the chicken is cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.

Combine with the Butter

Stir in 4 tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter into the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the buttery sauce.

Finish the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the fresh parsley and taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Savor the creamy, flavorful goodness in every bite!

Tips for Perfecting Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To really make this dish shine, here are a few tips to consider:

• Choose the right pasta: While linguine is a classic choice, you can also try other long, thin pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti.
• Cook the chicken just right: Searing the chicken first ensures it stays juicy and flavorful, even when mixed into the creamy sauce.
• Customize the flavors: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for a twist. You can also play with the herbs and spices in the cowboy butter to suit your taste preferences.
• Store and reheat leftovers: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta provides approximately 530 calories, 34g of protein, 33g of fat, and 38g of carbohydrates. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the bell peppers and garlic add a nutritional boost. For a healthier take, you can use whole-grain pasta and low-fat dairy products.

Variations and Substitutions

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs:

• Protein Alternatives: Try using turkey, shrimp, or even plant-based meat substitutes in place of the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Options: Swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-Free Modifications: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Vegetable Additions: Mix in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, or your favorite veggies for extra nutrition and flavor.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

FAQs about Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

How can I adjust the spice level of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

To adjust the spice level of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you can modify the amount of red pepper flakes used in the cowboy butter. Start with a pinch for mild heat and gradually increase according to your preference. Additionally, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when cooking the chicken. For a milder version, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether or substitute them with sweet paprika for flavor without the heat. Always taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe, and how should I prepare it?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, but it’s important to thaw it properly before cooking. The safest way to do this is by placing the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the defrost function on your microwave. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking it to ensure it sears well and doesn’t steam. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the chicken is still cool, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make a lighter version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

To make a lighter version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you can substitute heavy cream with alternatives like half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a combination of Greek yogurt and a bit of pasta water. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or cashew cream, which will provide creaminess without the calories of heavy cream. If using Greek yogurt, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling, mixing it with some reserved pasta water to achieve a smoother consistency.

How can I enhance the flavor of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta without adding more ingredients?

To enhance the flavor of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta without adding more ingredients, focus on cooking techniques. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown for a deeper flavor, and make sure to scrape up any brown bits in the pan after cooking the chicken to incorporate them into the sauce. Additionally, allow the cowboy butter to cook briefly with the garlic and shallots before adding the cream, which will intensify the flavors. A splash of fresh lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce at the end can also elevate the dish without requiring extra ingredients.

Saddle Up for Deliciousness with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Prepare to be wowed by the irresistible flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This creamy, comforting dish is a true showstopper, blending tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, buttery sauce that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile nature, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, saddle up and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with every bite of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

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